So Im planning out my mods, I still dont quite know alot about the Z's and the VQ engine, but right now what Im looking at is Borla True Duals, Borla Headers, Berk Technology High Flow Cats, AEM CAI, Kinetix Velocity Manifold, Motordyne Plenum Spacer (Not sure if I would need with the manifold), Z1 Clutch and Flywheel combo, Tomei 3.90 Final Drive Gear Set, and a AMS Lightweight Pulley Set. I should have that done by the end of the summer, but by the end of the year I want to put some new cams in the car, but I dont know exactley what to go with and what I would else need. I want to be able to drive the car daily, and still have good power, like my LE2 Trans Am. I would really like to keep the heads stock, however. So, educate me, am I on the right track, or just being a complete idiot?

 

Don't bother with the headers, aem intake, or kinetix manifold. You don't need a clutch/flywheel unless yours is going out either. Don't bother with cams unless you want to build the rest of the engine.

You are neither on the right track or being a complete idiot.

Do this:

True Dual Exhaust
06 Airbox or JWT Pop Charger
Berk HFC
Motordyne Spacer
Tomei 3.90 Final gears, sure I guess..
AMS Lightweight pulleys

 

4.08 gear instead?

 

i thought the borla was discontinued a long time ago

 

4.08 is cheaper and virtually identical in terms of driveability

 

what dikspiel said.. i dont think the tomei 3.90 is necessary either

 

seems odd this is in the na build section.

have fun with the spacer with the kinetix velocity.. sure you will get 30 hp from that.

 

I would say read and educate yourself more. Doesnt sound like your even in the correct state of the right track.

 

Like I said, I have no clue about these cars. I am used to my GM's and old Mopars. This is the first import I have ever owned, and any help into the right direction would be appreciated.

 

well search the forums for a couple of weeks before actually making a purchase.. dont read whatever is advertised under a product(like the kinetic "30hp gain").. theres so much for these cars the best thing to do is find out what kind of experiences other guys have had using the parts you're interested in .. imo the kinetix is a waste of money.. look at the cosworth plenums.. its pricey but you get what u pay for.

 

Sounds like a plan to me.

Each of the items listed have been addressed in detail. Some are verified horsepower losers. Others are proven winners. Lots of valuable information here for those willing to research.

 

Although your question is in the wrong forum the answers your looking for can probably be found in the NA Build pages. Considering the mods you have in mind I would first ask what year/version VQ you have? Like was previously stated some of the mods you have on that list are probably best left on the shelf. A lot of companies are taking their product and comparing it a stock car (which is fine), but they fail to mention more often than not, they are bolting their product on and altering the tune. This skews the results and leads someone to believe the part is more effective than it is. I believe the Kinetix manifold is one of those. Also this type of manifold will not use a spacer. On the intake and exhaust items, choose what you fancy. On an NA car I don't think you'll find alot of difference in output.

As for the gears, you'll find a lot a difference in opinion, some will tell you they ae worthless while others swear by them. Personally I like the Nissan 4.08's.

On the headers and cams there is a lot of power on the table when you do a little research. Alone however they are both almost useless. The trick to this area is to get an intake setup (manifold) that plays well with the cams and headers, as a package they can yield decent improvements. But beware, the cams are costly and the labor to install them is also expensive, not to mention you may have to buy any where from 0 to 24 new cam followers (valve lash adjusters) at just under $30 each.

Read some of the builds in this area and the "package" idea will be much clearer.

 

Skip the AMS pulleys.. They are nice, but noisey.. IMO, not worth the headaches of putting them on.

 

Another outstanding gonnaget thread!

 

david: another outstanding bump of a dead thread! :P